MICHAEL SWEET (Stryper) – I’m Not Your Suicide (2014)

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MICHAEL SWEET, frontman for the multi-platinum hard rockers Stryper, is releasing today May 6, his new full-length solo album “I’m Not Your Suicide” via BIG3 Records.
With this long-overdue CD, Sweet is finally delivering the project fans have been patiently waiting for: a Melodic Hard Rock record with many melodies inspired in the Eighties yet sporting a modern, updated sound.

Self-produced, “I’m Not Your Suicide” includes special appearances by Tony Harnell (TNT), Kevin Max (dcTalk, Audio Adrenaline), Chris Jericho, Doug Aldrich (Whitesnake), Electra Mustaine (daughter of Megadeth frontman Dave Mustaine) and Stryper bandmates Robert Sweet and Timothy Gaines. Legendary drummer Kenny Aronoff played on the record as well.
In addition to Stryper, Sweet has had a successful solo career, and he served as the guitarist and co-vocalist for the legendary classic rock band Boston from 2007-2011, plus with the return of Stryper a couple of years ago, “I’m Not Your Suicide” was delayed several times.

The brilliance of Michael Sweet as a solo artist versus the frontman for Stryper lies in the music that reflects more of his influences. Obviously, Stryper follows a specific blueprint. With Sweet’s solo efforts, he is allowed to create more diverse compositions. What is amazing is that his voice always is suited to whatever style of music over which he sings.
“I’m Not Your Suicide” takes listeners through several genres within the confines of rock, but always focused on Melodic Rock. Sweet’s harder rock side is represented by songs such as opener “Taking On The World Tonight” which starts with the wail of sirens and heavy-handed muted rhythm guitars. TNT terrific singer Tony Harnell provides vocal support, thickening the verses and filling out the choruses. Both, Sweet and Harnell’s vocals blend together nicely, and this is a real treat for fans of both musicians.

More Melodic Hard Rock oriented are the pulsating “All That’s Left [For Me To Prove]” and “Anybody Else” featuring Chris Jericho and Doug Aldrich (both tracks recalling late ’80s Stryper), the midtempo and highly vocal harmonized “The Cause”, and the bouncy “Unsuspecting”. Each track highlights Sweet’s songwriting prose and skill as a guitarist.

But Michael Sweet always offer something different, adding variation to his musical offerings. This is the case with “This Time”, a semi-ballad plenty of substance and atmosphere. Sweet’s voice is quite emotional during the chorus; you always believe in the conviction in which he vocally delivers each note and word.
The emotional urgency of title track “I’m Not Your Suicide” will strike you at your core (Sweet has partnered with Childhelp, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping victims of child abuse and neglect). The lyrical content will have an effect on the children Sweet is trying to reach, as well as their families.
Then arrives the ballad “Coming Home”, another emotional number with a trademark Stryper / Sweet seal. It’s embellished with acoutics and slide guitar but this is a Melodic Rock power ballad with a big and powerful chorus.

If you loved ’80s / ’90s Styper slow songs, then be prepared for rejoice with “How To Live” (featuring Robert Sweet and Timothy Gaines of Stryper). Led by the piano, the song allows the vocals to float over the instrumentation. It builds in complexity as it progresses, bringing more and more instruments into the mix. It’s a powerful vocal performance by Sweet, and one of the highlights on the CD.
Two really melodic, cool versions of Neil Young’s “Heart of Gold” appear on the album, the only real difference between the two is the addition of Electra Mustaine’s vocals in a duet with Sweet on the final track of the CD featured as bonus.
Electra’s voice is not what you’d expect from the daughter of Dave Mustaine; it’s not the thrash metal gravely, snarl that Dave is known for: Electra sounds amazingly sweet and melodic.

“I’m Not Your Suicide” is a fantastic release. It’s melodic, with great performances and excellent production. For those who have lost faith that any new music could touch your heart & soul and inspire you, Sweet gives us hope by penning new songs to complement our daily lives.
This is a complete album; there are no filler tracks. Each song complements one another in a cohesive timing.
Deep down, Sweet wants to be known for his guitar playing. He is a brilliant guitarist who can stand toe to toe with those grafted to the title of guitar hero, and it is sad that he typically is not recognized as one because he truly shines as a songwriter, vocalist, guitarist and producer. Basically, Sweet is the complete package, where others are only the master of one.
Highly Recommended.

01. Taking On The World Tonight (feat. Tony Harnell)
02. All That’s Left [For Me To Prove]
03. The Cause
04. This Time (feat. Kevin Max)
05. I’m Not Your Suicide (co-written With Blair Daly)
06. Coming Home
07. Miles Away
08. Strong
09. How To Live (feat. Robert Sweet & Timothy Gaines of Stryper)
10. Heart Of Gold
11. Anybody Else (feat. Chris Jericho & Doug Aldrich)
12. Unsuspecting
13. Heart Of Gold (feat. Electra Mustaine) [Bonus Track]

Michael Sweet – Vocals, Guitar
Kenny Aronoff – Drums
John O’Boyle – Bass
Paul McNamara – Piano, B3, Moog, Korg
Pete Adams – Steel Guitar
Guests:
Robert Sweet & Timothy Gaines – on “How To Live”
Tony Harnell – vocals on “Taking On the World”
Kevin Max – vocals on “This Time”
Electra Mustaine – vocals on “Heart of Gold”
Chris Jericho – vocals on “Anybody Else”
Doug Aldrich – lead guitar on “Anybody Else”
John Kindred – words

BUY IT !
www.michaelsweet.portmerch.com/stores/product.php?productid=19030
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